How to get rid of Grey hairs and hair fall naturally

Ayurved approach in Hair fall :

Hair is a defining character of human. It is precious to all. The problem related to hair fall and graying of hair is usually seen during cold winters and in teenage groups as they are more conscious towards there looks. And seeing it growing into some boring, undesirable colour can be very upsetting.

Even though hair aging depends largely on uncontrollable factors like genetics, but preventive measure can be taken in order to keep the hair young.

NASYA AND AYURVED :

Ayurved is based upon the concept of the three dośa present in any living organism.
1. Vata
2. pitta
3. Kapha

The body in which all the three dośa are in equilibrium is said to be healthy and if they are vitiated because of any external or internal factors the body is said to be unhealthy.

Pancakarma is a line of treatment exclusively given in Ayurved for extraction of vitiated dośa by performing various procedures and setting back the equilibrium of the dośa for a healthy being.

Nasya is one of the karma included in Pancakarma (1.vamana 2. Virechana 3. Niruh basti 4. Anuvasan basti 5. Nasya). Susruta acharya have also included rakta mokśan in pancakarma.

Nasya karma, in which the dośa are extracted (shodhan) or stabilized (shaman) present in the upper region of the body i.e. head and neck (urdhva jatrugat) using drops of ghee, oil, decoction (kwath), herbal juice (svarasa), cow urine (gomutra), and many other preparation given in the sastra in both the nostrils during an appropriate time.

Nasya karma

According to charaka acharya, the best way to extract the vitiated dośa from the body is from the shortest route available.  So the dośas present in the head and neck region (urdhava jatrugat) can easily be extracted if Nasya karma is preferred. As the shortest route available to head and neck is the nasal region.

Nasya is of many types but the important two types are snehan nasya (lubrication) and shodhan nasya (extraction).

Pratimarsha nasya is also a type of nasya karma, in which 2-2 drops of medicated oil are dropped inside the both the nostrils.

Pratimarsha nasya is considered as a mild and harmless procedure and can be given to anyone irrespective of age and can be used at any time of the day. It can be used without any strict day to day precautions (pathya palan).

The 14 appropriate time for pratimarsha nasya are as follows :
1. Early morning
2. At evening
3. After waking at mid day
4. After light meal
5. After brushing teeth
6. After exercise
7. Before leaving house
8. After copulation
9. After walking long distances
10. After urination
11. After expulsion of flatus
12. After gargling
13. After sneezing
14. After medicating eyes

Pratimarsha Nasya can be taken at any time of the day but above given time provides more results. 

Pratimarsha Nasya preferable age group :

After 8 years of age and before 80 years.

Pratimarsha Nasya should not be used continuously a break in the course is advised.

Like, in a 14 day course, continuous pratimarsha nasya for 6 day is advised after which a break for 1 day and then a 7 day continuous course is preferred.

Pratimarsha Nasya karma procedure :

I. pre procedure :
1. After proper examination Patient is selected for nasya karma.
2. Proper medicated liquid (oil, ghee, leaves juice, decoction etc.) is selected for the procedure.
3. Switch off the fan or AC before taking nasya.
4. Patient is asked to lie in a supine position on a comfortable bed with head tilt a little in backward direction and relax. ( For tilting a pillow can be used by keeping it under the neck)

II. Main procedure :
5. 3-3 drops of medicated oil are added in both the nostrils and patient is instructed to relax.
6. Patient is asked to count to 100 and relax.
7. When the oil is felt in the throat region Patient is asked to spit it out and not to swallow the oil.
8. The oil which is felt in the nasal region is left without trying to sneeze deliberately.

III. After procedure :
9. The facial region of the patient is given a warm sudation by rubbing both the hands.
10. Mouth is to be gargled with warm water to remove the sliminess.
11. Proper instructions are given to the patient regarding the nasya after procedure.

Precautions After Nasya :

a) Sneezing deliberately should be avoided. (if patient feels an urge to sneeze it should not be restricted)
b) Long rides and travelling on bike should be avoided. If necessary, patient is instructed to cover nose and mouth with a towel or a handkerchief.
c) Sitting under the fan and AC room should be avoided.
d) Working under harsh afternoon sun should be avoided.
e) Washing of hairs and face should be avoided.
f) Drinking cold water should be avoided.
g) Alcohol and smoking should be avoided.

These precautions are to be followed only for an hour after taking Nasya, after which patient can follow his daily routine.

Explaining Nasya :

Ayurved believes that the medications inserted through nostrils reaches the vital spot called kshangatak marma and then circulates in veins to reach head, throat, eyes, and ears.

Nasal cavity is believed to be the window to reach the head region.

Most of the aliments of head and neck region can be cured by the Nasya.

Nasya effects :

Nasya doesn’t have any side effects.

The medications used are all natural herbs. But in few patients slight burning sensation in the nasal cavity, irritation, sneezing, and watery eyes is seen.

These are generally because of common reasons; Nasya contains medicated oil which creates burning sensation on the first time application which subsides gradually after regular use.

Sneezing and watery eyes are also because of the same reason. 

The til tail have a natural hot potency which causes irritation in the nasal cavity.

In many cases patient doesn’t follow the precautions. Like; patient refusing to cover nose and mouth after Nasya and prefer long rides on bike or sits under fan and AC room complains about headache.

Additional advantages of Nasya : 

• Adding oil in the nasal cavity provides additional immunitty to the body as the medicated oil used in the Nasya increases the sliminess of the cavity this leads to sticking of dust particles and microbes to the oil.

• The medicated oil used removes the extra mucus from the nasal cavity and throat region. This leads to clearing of the nasal cavity.

• Nasya always have a soothing effect to the nasal region.

• According to the Ayurved scripts, Nasya provides freshness to the head region which in turn increases the efficiency in thinking, decision ability and

• The freshness effect from the Nasya keeps the face looking more young and energetic.

• Nasya is considered as the passage to reach the eyes, ears and head region which gives healthy sight and hearing capacity.

Natural treatment for indigestion , loss of apetite, diarrhoea

Ayurved have always provide mankind with easy and low cost solution for many ailments.

Here below given medicine is one of the oldest drug in treatment of indigestion , loss of apetite, diarrhoea and have proven to be very useful.

Ingridents :

1. Shuddha Hingu (Ferula Narthex) Resin ...20 gm.
2. Shunthi (Zinziber Officinalis) Rhizome ...20 gm.
3. Pipali (Piper longum) Fruit ...20 gm.
4. Maricha (Piper nigrum) Fruit ...20 gm.
5. Ajmoda (Carum Bulbocastanum) Fruit ...20 gm.
6. Jiraka (Cuminum Cyminum) Seed ...20 gm.
7. Shyah Jiraka (Clumber Bulbocastanum) Seed ...20 gm.
8. Saindhava (Rock salt) ...20 gm.

Method of Preparation:

▷ All ingredients were taken as mentioned above.
▷ It was prepared coarse powder form by home mixture or readymade powder of some drug can also be bought from market.
▷ Powder was passed by sieve.
▷ Then all 8 separate powder were mixed thoroughly.
▷ The final powder is obtained and ready to use.

Dose : 1/2 spoon before meal with ghee.

Observations :
▷ At the time of pounding and grinding, good smell of ingredients was felt.
▷ It was easily powdered by mixer.
▷ the final product was fine powder, dark Olive Green color with pleasant smell.

Precautions :

▷ Ingredients should take genuine.
▷ Heat should not generate at the time of grinding.
▷ It should be prepare to form fine powder.

Reference

 Bhaishajya Ratnavali Agnimandhya 37
त्रिकटुकमजमोदा सैन्धवं जीरकं द्रे समधरणध्रुतानामष्टमो हिन्गुभाग:
प्रथमकवलभुक्तं सर्पिषा चूर्णमेतज्जनयति जठराग्नि वातरोगान्स्च हन्ति 

Homemade Natural digestive pills Ayurved

Introduction

The problem of digestion is one of the most common complaint seen these days.

The allopathic drugs only provides a temporary relief along with other side effects. Hence most of people have chosen Ayurved and herbal treatment as a better option.

The digestive pills from ayurvedic herbs can be easily prepared at home without any expert technical knowledge and expensive machinery.

Ingredients : 

1. Chitrak (Plambago zeylanicam) Root - 10 gm.
2. Pipplimula (Piper longum) Root - 10 gm.
3. Sunthi (Zingiber officinale) Rhizome - 10 gm.
4. Pippali (Piper longum) Fruit - 10 gm.
5. Hingu (Ferula narthex) Resin - 10 gm.
6. Chavya (Piper retrofractum) Root - 10 gm.
7. Yava Kshara - 10 gm
8. Swarjika Kshara - 10 gm
9. Saindhava lavana (Rock salt) - 10 gm.
10. Bid Lavana (Artificial Lavana) - 10 gm.
11. Saurchala Lavana - 10 gm.
12. Audbhid Lavana - 10 gm.
13. Samudra Lavana (sea salt) - 10 gm.

Bhavana Drava- Nimbu Swarasa
Citrus Lemon  Q.S.

Method of Preparation:
▷ All above mentioned ingredients were taken as prescribed manner.
▷ It was powdered and mixed properly in a mixer. It was passed through a sieve to receive fine powder.
▷ Powder was taken in to porcelain bowl and added adequate quantity of fresh Nimbu Swarasa (citrus lemon).
▷ It was triturated for one day, this type total 3 Bhavana was given after that it was prepared size of a small pill manually.
▷ Pills were put in a Tray under the Sun light for drying.
▷ Digestive  pill was prepared.

Confirmative Test : 

▷ After one day it was became smooth paste form and prepared pill form.
▷ Pills were dark Grey in color with pleasant smell of lemon.

Use : 

1-2 pill before meal. 

Precautions:
▷ All ingredients should taken for mixer powder preparation.
▷ Lemon Swarasa should be taken fresh for each Bhavana.
▷ Pills size should be same and it should dry under the Sunlight.

Reference :

Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 15/96-97

चित्रकं पिप्पलीमूलं द्रौ क्षारो लवणानि च 
व्योषं हिन्गव्जमोदा च चव्यं चैकत्र चूर्णयेत
गुटिका मातुलुङ्गस्य दाडिमस्य रसेन वा 
कृता विपाचयत्यां दिपयतत्याशु चानलं 

Ayurved herb/drug substitution - adulteration

INTRODUCTION

History of drug unavailability is as old as Ayurveda.When a large number of rare drugs have been referred, treatment should be done appropriately with the available drugs only. Availability of quality raw plant material is a burning issue.
Because of that, the first and foremost need of the hour is to have a uniform pattern for the selection of various herbal sources of drugs. In the light of current scarcity of several medicinal herbs, there is greater need to discover suitable substitutes for them.

Reasons for substitution of raw drugs are : 
• Increasing demand
• Deforestation
• Extinction
• Incorrect identification
• Controversy
• Commercialization
• Breakdown in chain of knowledge transfer

The difference between adultration and substitution :

ADULTERANTION –
• It is a practice of substituting original crude drug partially or wholly with other similar looking substances but later is either free from or inferior in chemical and therapeutic properties.

Substitution –
• It occurs when some totally different substance is added in the place of original drug. 

Common terms used along with the term Adulteration in Pharmacognosy

• Adulteration involves different conditions such as deterioration, admixture, sophistication, inferiority and spoilage.
• Deterioration is impairment in the quality of the drug.
• Admixture is addition of one article to another due to ignorance or carelessness or by accident.
• Sophistication is the intentional or deliberate type of adulteration.
• Inferiority refers to any substandard drug,
• Spoilage is due to the attack of micro-organisms.

According to modern literature and legal aspect, all substitutes are considered as adulterants.

TYPES OF ADULTERANTS
1. Substitution with standard commercial varieties
2. Substitution with superficially similar inferior drugs
3. Substitution with artificially manufactured substances
4. Substitution with exhausted drugs
5. Substitution with synthetic chemicals
6. Presence of vegetative matter from the same plant
7. Harmful adulterants
8. Adulteration of powders

1. Substitution with substandard commercial varieties
• Resemblance in morphological, chemical or therapeutic characters
• Substandard in nature
• Cheaper in cost
• Most common practice of adulteration e.g. Indian senna - Arabian senna and dog senna; Medicinal ginger - its inferior varieties, viz. African, Japanese and Cochin ginger.

2. Substitution with superficially similar inferior drugs
• May or may not be having any chemical or therapeutic value
• Marketed as adulterants due to morphological resemblance e.g. Saffron – Dried flowers of Carthamus tinctorius,   Clove – Mother cloves and clove stalks

3. Substitution with artificially manufactured substances
• For costlier drugs e.g. Compressed chicory in place of coffee ,Shaped basewood for nutmeg.

4. Substitution with exhausted drugs
• Same drug but devoid of medicinally active constituents due to previous extraction
• Common practice in case of volatile oil containing drugs like fennel, clove, coriander, caraway etc.
• Manipulation in colour and taste of exhausted drugs by adding other additive e.g. exhausted gentian made bitter with aloes; artificial colouring of exhausted saffron

5. Substitution with synthetic chemicals
• To enhance the natural character  e.g. Addition of benzyl benzoate to balsam of Peru; Citral to citrus oils like oil of lemon and orange oil etc.

6. Presence of vegetative matter from the same plant
• Due to resemblance in colour, odour in some cases constituents e.g. Mixing of Senna leaves and stem

7. Harmful adulterants
• Collection and admixture of wastes from market
• Noticed for liquid or unorganised drugs e.g. limestones in asafetida; Rodent faecal matter to cardamom seed

8. Adulteration of powders
• Frequent form of adulteration e.g. powdered liquorice or gentian admixed with powdered olive stones; Red sanders wood in capsicum

HISTORICAL REVIEW

VEDIC KALA –
• Kusha, Ashmantak, Bala vacha were used for Munja
• Kasha were used for Kusha
           

SAMHITA KALA –

• The prior Acharyas like Charaka and Susruta have not given direct reference or listing of substitute s (Pratinidhi dravyas) but, Acharya Vagbhata has stated a shlok for pratinidhi dravya 

• The term Pratinidhi dravya was first introduced by Vangasen.
• Detail description regarding Pratinidhi dravyas can be traced from Bhavaprakasha, Yogaratnakara and Bhaishajya-ratnavali.

NEED / CAUSES OF SUBSTITUTION

• Non-availability of the drug
▪ Ashtavarga Dravyas.
▪ Talisa patra i. e. Abies webiana Lindl. -Pinaceae , Taxus baccata Linn-Taxaceae

• Uncertain identity of the drug
▪ Eg: - for the herb Lakshmana different species such as Arlia quinquefolia, Ipomea sepiaria etc are considered
▪ For Soma different species such as Ephedra gerardiana, Ceropegia juncea Roxb, Sarcostemma brevistigma etc are considered.

• Cost of the drug-costly herb is substituted by cheaper herb
▪ Eg. Kumkuma (Rs.1,50,000/kg) - Kusumbha (Rs.150/kg)
▪ Ativisha (Rs.8000/kg)  – Musta (Rs.80/kg)

• Geographical distribution of the drug
▪ Eg. Rasna - Pluchea lanceolata is used in Northern India while in Southern parts Alpinia galanga is considered as the source.

▪ List of region wise different botanical sources of plants


1. Plant herb : Agaru
Accepted source : Aquilaria agallocha (Hymelaeaceae)
Other source : South India:
Dysoxylum malabaricum (Meliaceae)


2. Plant herb : Bharangi
Accepted source : clerodendrum serratum
(Verbenaceae)
Other source : South India:
Premna herbacea (Verbenaceae)
• Bengal:
Picrasma quassioides (Simarubaceae)


3. Plant drug : Daruharidra
Accepted source : Berberis aristata
(Berberidaceae)
Other source : South India:
Coscinium fenestratum (Menispermaceae)


4. Plant drug : Duralabha/ Dhanvayasa
Accepted source : Fagonia cretica
(Zygophyllaceaea)
Other source : South India:
Tragia involucrate (Euphorbiaceae)


5. Plant drug : Hapusha/
Accepted source : Havusha
Juniperus communis
(Pinaceae)
Other source : South India:
Sphaeranthus indicus (Asteraceae)


6. Plant drug : jivanti
Accepted source : Leptadenia reticulata
(Asclepiadaceae)
Other source : South India:
Holostemma rheedei (Asclepiadaceae)


7. Plant drug : kiratatikta
Accepted source : swertia chirata
(Gentianaceae)
Other source: South India:
Andrographis paniculata (Acanthaceae)


8. Plant drug : Murva
Accepted source : Marsdenia tenacissima
(Asclepiadaceae)
Other source : South India:
Chonemorpha macrophylla (Apocynaceae)
Sansevieria roxburghiana (Liliaceae) (IMPCOPS, Chennai)


9. Plant drug : Nagakeshara
Accepted source : Mesua ferrea (Clusiaceae)
Other source : south India:
Calophyllum inophyllum (Clusiaceae)
• Tamilnadu:
Cinnamomum wightii (Lauraceae) and Dillenia pentagyna (Dilleniaceae) fruits


10. Plant drug :Prasarini
Accepted source : Paederia foetida
(Rubiaceae)
Other source : South India:
Merremia tridentate (Convolvulaceae)


11. Plant drug : Priyangu
Accepted source : callicarpa macrophylla
(Verbenaceae)
• Substitute:  Prunus mahaleb (Rosaceae)
• South India:
Callicarpa tomentosa (Verbenaceae); Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Rutaceae);
Aglaia roxburghiana fruits (Meliaceae);
Myristica malabarica (Myristicaceae)
dried flowers (IMPCOPS, Chennai)


12. Palnt drug : Prishniparni
Accepted source : Uraria picta (Fabaceae)
Other source : South India:
Pseudarthria viscida (Fabaceae)
• Kerala:
Desmodium gangeticum (Papilionaceae)


13. Plant drug : Rasna
Accepted source : Pluchea lanceolata
(Asteraceae)
• Substitute:
Alpinia galanga (Zingiberaceae)
• South India:
Alpinia calcarata and Alpinia galanga (Zingiberaceae)
• AndhraPradesh:
Dodonaea viscosa (Sapindaceae)
• Eastern India:
Vanda roxburghii (Orchidaceae)
• Bihar:
Lepidagathis trinervis (Acanthaceae)
• Madhyapradesh:
Blepharispermum subsessile (Compositae)


14. Plant drug : Renuka
Accepted source : Vitex agnus-castus
(Verbenaceae)

Other source : South India:
Vitex altissima, Vitex negundo (Verbenaceae)
• In South India:
fruits of Vitex sp. are sold as a Renuka. Fruits of Piper aurantiacum (Piperaceae) are used as Harenuka/Renuka.
(IMPCOPS, Chennai.)


15. Plant drug : Sahachara
Accepted source : Barleria prionitis
(Acanthaceae)
Other source : South India:
Niligirianthus ciliates (Acanthaceae)
• Kerala:
Ecbolium viride (Nila Sahachara), Justica betonica (Shweta Sahachara) (Acanthaceae)


16. Plant drug :Sariva
Accepted source : Hemidesmus indicus
(Asclepiadaceae)
Other source : South India: As shweta Sariva
Decalepis hamiltonii (Asclepiadaceae); Cryptolepis buchanani (Asclepiadaceae);
Ichnocarpus frutescens used as Krishna Sariva (Apocynaceae)
• Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka:
Decalepis hamiltonii (Asclepiadaceae)


17. Plant drug : Shati
Accepted source :Hedychium spicatum
(Zingiberaceae)
Other source:  South India:
Kaempeferia galanga,
Curcuma zedoaria (Zingiberaceae)


18. Plant drug : Shankha pushpi
Accepted source : Convolvulus pluricaulis
(Convolvulaceae)
Other source : South India:
Evolvulus alsinoides (Convolvulaceae), Clitoria ternatea (Fabaceae)
• Bengal:
Canscora decussate (Gentianaceae), Lavandula bipinnata (Labiateae; Lamiaceae)


19. Plant drug : shringi, Karkata-shringi
Accepted source : Pistacia integerrima (galls)
(Anacardiaceae)
Other source : South India:
Rhus semialata galls, Rhus succedanea galls (Anacardiaceae)


20. Plant drug :Vidari
Accepted source : Pueraria tuberosa
(Fabaceae)

Other source : South India:
Adenia hondala (Passifloraceae); Ipomoea paniculata (Convolvulaceae); Cycas circinalis (Cycadaceae)

• Intolerance of the drug
▪ Bhallatak-Rakta chandan

• Regional synonyms
▪ Ubhosameravo (Alysicarpus longifolius) is used in place of Prishniparni (Uraria picta) by some traditional healers of Saurashtra region (Gujarat) due to similarity in the vernacular names of both the species.

• Seasonal availability
▪ Varshabhu is only found in rainy season

• Shelf life of the drug
▪ Dravyas having lesser shelf life should be substituted by those having comparatively more shelf life. e.g. Musta can be used in place of Ativisha which is having lesser shelf life.

• Chemical composition
▪ Same chemical constituent Berberine is found in both Haridra and Daruharidra.

Ayurved herb Aragwadh cassia fistula

Latin name : Cassia fistula

Leaves with flowers

English name : pudding pipe tree, Indian laburnum, purging cassia

Synonyms : आरग्वध, राजवृक्ष, दीर्घफल, चतुरंगुल,व्याधिघात, कृतमाल, शम्पाक, आरवेत

Intro :
Its tree of medium height having strong trunk. Leaves are oval and have slight shine. The flowers are beautiful and arranged in the flowing manner from the branches. The yellow flowers completely covers the tree leaves and looks absolutely beautiful from a distance.

Flowers

Fruits are in the form of legumes having 30-50 cm of length. 2-3 cm wide. The fruits turns black when ripped. The legumes have a soft core between which the seeds are arranged.

Fruits

The soft core in legume is used as soft purgative.

Chemical composition :
The soft core of legumes contains pectin, volatile oil and hydroxymethyl anthraquinone.

Parts used : soft core of legumes

Uses :

• Cassia fistula is considered as the best soft purgative in Ayurved.

It is widely used in relieving constipation in kids and pregnant lady.

The soft core excluding the seeds is taken  with jaggery empty stomach in a half spoon amount Early morning.

The soft core can also ne taken with Trikatu churan and also as avleh (अवलेह) (dense syrup) which is useful in relieving abdominal pain, gas and constipation.

It have no side effects in body if taken in appropriate amount.

• The decoction prepared from the bark of cassia fistula is used in relieving inflammation of neck region.
• The decoction of leaves is used in bell's palsy and the paste is also used for applying in the neck region.

Dose : soft core of legumes 4-8 grams

Acne pimples in Ayurved treatment

Acne / pimples

At the age of puberty, a common complaint can be obsreved in bith malr and females i.e. of the eruptions appearing on the face.

Pimples are a cosmetic problem where along with pain, these eruptions disfigure the face and make them look ugly which worries the individual.

In Ayurved science, it is addressed by term known as yuvan pidika. This  age  is known as yuvavastha and these pimples/eruptions  are  known  as  yuvan pidika.

Sushruta samhita states that the cause of this disease is disturbed equilibrium state of vata, kapha and rakta doshas.

How does acne occurs?

   Our  skin  contains  thousands  of  pores.  These pores  are  nourished  by  oil  glands  or sebaceous  glands  that  in  turn  help  to  keep our  skin  moist  and  nourished.  Due  to  some reasons  like  bacterial  infection,  allergy  or dirt  these  pores  get  blocked.  Now  the blocked  pore  does  not  let  the  oil  to  get released  on  the  skin  resulting  in  acne.  As  per ayurveda  due  to  imbalance  of  three  humours especially  the  pitta,  leads  to  the  formation  of acne .

Ayurved and pimples/ acne ?

Shuruta samhita was  the  first  and  foremost  to mention  a  whole  group  of  diseases  which have  an  adverse  effect  on  the  appearance and  personality  of  an  individuals  and  having surgical  and  parasurgical  measures  as  its cure. He  named it as  kshudra roga.  The  salmali (bombax malabaricum) thorn  like  eruptions  on  the  face of  adults  caused  by  kapha,  vata  and  rakta.

 Acharya vagbhata  in Astang hridaya has  described  the  signs and symptoms  in  more  details  than  sushruta. The  painful  eruptions  packed  with  meda, similar  to  the  thorns  of  salmali (bombax malabaricum) having  their site  on  the  face  of  adults  are  known  as mukha  dusika or  yuvana  pidika. 

This disease is classified under kshudra roga.

Ayurveda  points  out  following  reasons  for the manifestation of pimples/acne/  yuvana pidika - 

1.  Intake  of  fried  and  junk  food-  vitiates kapha  and  pitta,  leads  to  blood  vitiation  and acne. 

2.  Night awakening

3.  Over  usage  of  cosmetics-  direct  impact on facial skin

4.  Stress and anxiety

5.  Physiological  changes  taking  place during  adolescence-  attributed  to  hormonal imbalance

6.  Excess intake  of non vegetarian food.

Natural Treatment of pimples/ acne: 

In Ayurveda for the treatment of pimples mainly two type of chikitsa are described i.e., shodhana chikitsa and shaman chikitsa.

1. Shodhana chikitsa (detox therapy) -

1.1. Vamana (emnetics)-  it  is  the  best  procedure  to subside the kaphaja abnormailities.

1.2. Nasya  (nasal drops) –  the  medicine  is  to  be  taken through  nasal  route.  Vagbhatta  has  told  to apply  this  process  in  the  disease  of  pimples

1.3. Virechana (purgative)

1.4. Shiravedha (blood letting)

2. Shamana chikitsa

The  shamana  chikitsa  includes  various  types of  lepa  and  pralepa  as  follows: 

1. The  paste  of  vacha,  rodhra,  saindhava mixed with  sarsapa

2. The  paste  of  dhanyaka,  vacha,  lodhra  and kusth

3. The paste of lodhra, dhanyaka and vacha

Herbs used in pimples are :

1. Nimba (Azadiracta indica) - blood purifier.

2. Usheera – Acts as coolant and relieves the stress.

3. Manjishta (Rubia cordifolia) – purifies the blood and improves blood circulation.

4. Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) –Nourishes the skin and blood.
5. Khadira (Acacia catechu)- well known blood purifier.

6. Draksha (vitis vinifera) – acts as coolant and improves the blood circulation.

7. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus),  Ashwagandha (withania somnifera),Ashoka (Saraca asoca) etc – to correct hormonal imbalance  

Ayurveda medicine for pimples :

1. Kaishora guggulu – Useful in many disorders involving Vata and Pitta – like gout, useful in wound healing

2. Triphala guggulu – dries up the sebum, clears the channels and pores

3. Arogya Vardhini Vati – good liver enzyme booster, Pitta balancing.

4. Mahamanjishtadi kashaya – One of the best Kashaya to detoxify and cleanse blood.

5. Panchanimba choorna – fight skin infection.

6. Triphaladi kashaya - Useful in cleansing the pores.

7. Avipathikar choorna – useful in pitta imbalance condition.

8. Khadirarishta – blood purifier

9. Usheerasava – blood purifier

10. Chandanasava –  especially useful in oily skin, to dry up sebum.

11. Aravindasava – blood tonic.

Hair care naturally in Ayurved

Ayurved for hairfall hair growth

Natural and healthy hairs plays a very important role in our personality. A person hairs is one of the few things we observe first in someone face. Nice styled and healthy hairs is a common desire of every being.

As per Ayurved, There are many Natural way of keeping your hair healthy.

1. Apply oil on scalp (तैल सिंचन)

• It is known to all that hairs gets its nutrition from the base i.e. the scalp. keeping the scalp healthy provides nourishment to the hair stands helpful in its growth and strengthening its roots.
• The oil should be applied in a such way that it reachs the scalp. Certain Ayurved oil having contents like bhringraj, amlaki, yastimadhu, dhatur, hibiscus etc. are helpful in keeping hairs healthy.
• It is always advisable to apply oil during winter season as the oil prevents dandruff and itching in scalp region.

2. Nasya (nasal drops = नस्य )
Ayurved have considered the best way for nourishment of hairs is by nasal drops, Know as nasya (नस्य). It is a exclusive treatment in Ayurved.
2-2 drops of medicated oil in both the nostrils twice a day.
Medicated oil such as yastimadhu tail, nimb tail, bringraj tail, bhehda tail etc. are useful in nourishment of hairs.

3. Avoid few combine foods (विरुद्ध आहार)
You look good if you eat good.
According to Ayurved certain unhealthy combination of foods should always be avoided as It will always disorient the balance of vata-pitta-kapha in the body and will cause disease.

• Avoid taking milk with any fruit.
• Avoid taking Ghee and honey together.
• Avoid taking jaggery and onion together.
• Avoid taking udad dal or lady finger vegetables with curd.
• Avoid taking curd at night. Etc.

3. Massage to scalp (अभ्यंग)

• Research have shown that little massage to the scalp while applying oil increases the blood supply to the roots of hair strands and provides proper nutrition to it. It is also helpful in removing the waste product from the head region.
• The oil should always left so that it can be  absorbed from the scalp. Washing your hairs frequently will only leads to under nourished hairs.

4. Washing hair

• Hairs should never ever be washed with warm water. It makes the hairs loose its grip from the scalp. Hairs should always be washed with mild cold water or water at room temperature.
• If possible, hairs should be washed with mineral water as the regular tap Water contains salts and chlorine which absorbs all the oily content from the scalp and makes its rough and leads to dandruff, itching and hairfall.
• Shampoo should be used as per your skin type but shampoo with mild chemical should be preferred.
• It is advisable to let the hair to air dry rather than using a hair dryer.

5. Outdoor care

• Protection of hairs from pollution and direct sunlight is necessary.
• Covering the head with a cap, cloth or using umbrella is a good idea.
• Use a helmet during a two wheel drive. It not only protect your skull but also protect your hairs from wind and direct sunlight.

6. Healthy food

• A healthy food always gives a healthy body.
• Avoiding junk foods, fast food, spicy, chilles, chaat masala, deep fried food like pizzas, hamburger, chips, pappad etc.
• Eat plenty of fruits apples, pears, orange, Papaya, ripened bananas etc.
• Take Rice, chappati with non spicy vegetables, salads.
• Avoid taking preservative containing foods like pickels, sause, jams, vineger, soft drinks etc.

Precaution for Grey hair and hair fall and grey hair

Normal hair :

Normally There are between 1, 00,000 to 2,00,000 hairs in our head they grow from tiny holes in our scalp skin called follicles. 

Scalp hair grows at the rate of 15 cm a year. Each hair has its own nourishment system.

When a strand of hair reaches a certain length, it stops growing as it become too long to be properly nourished and it falls out, but a new hair replaces it.

Hair fall and graying :

Melanin is a pigment which is responsible for colour of our hair which is produced by melenocytes. It was later believed that hair losses its colour because of low production of melanin.

Scientist has recently discovered that hair loses its pigment not due to decreased production of melanin, but also increased production of hydrogen peroxide. With old age hydrogen peroxide collects in the hair follicles and cannot be degraded; as the enzyme catalyse loses its ability to do so.

Hydrogen peroxide acts as a bleaching agent and whitens hair from inside out. Hence the main culprit is the failure of the enzyme catalyses to work in old age.

There is no benchmark age for hair turn to white.

• White hair does not mean that a person carries a disease or bodily disruption, but they just follow a set code of instructions from our genes.
• The hair colour, texture and its distribution over the body largely depends upon the genes, which are inherited from our parents.
• Premature graying of hair is usually caused by the deficiency of vitamins especially vitamin B12.
• Imbalance secretion and production of hormones especially aliments related to thyroid gland.
• Malnutrition, worry, shock, deep sorrow, tension and other similar condition may slow down the production of melanin.
• Ailments like dysfunction of thyroid glands or even cancer can cause problems related to hair fall.
• Smoking and drinking can also causes graying of hair.
Scientists have not been able to fully explain the exact cause of this change in colour of hair.

General precautions to hair fall and graying of hairs :

• The scalp is the growing ground for the hair follicle so proper care is necessary to the scalp. It should be massaged with oil during cold winters as it increases the blood circulation to the head and also removes the roughness of the hairs.
• Eating spicy and junk foods should be avoided.

• Green vegetables and fruits are advised as it contains appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals.
• Protein in the diet plan is important for hair growth.
• Washing of hair with hot water should be avoided.
• A Shampoo not containing harsh chemicals should be used.
• Using of high chlorinated water for hair washing should be avoided.
• Avoiding dusty areas like outskirts of factories. (if necessary, head should be kept covered)
• Head should be covered with a cap or a handkerchief while working in afternoon sun.
• Stress and worries should be avoided.

Ayurved herb , Haridra (Curcuma longa)

Haridra (Curcuma longa)

Sanskrut name : पीता, वरवणिनी, कृमिघ्नी, कांचनी 

English name : Turmeric

About :
Turmeric used in Ayurved medicine are actually the roots, which are Yellow in colour. These roots are astringent and bitter in taste. When turmeric is rubbed between the palm it gives yellow colour to hands. Farming of turmeric is done in  west bengal, nearby mumbai and chennai. It is a herbs about 1 metre in length. The leaves are bright green in colour, long oval in shape with pointed ends. The leaves have a aromatic smell.

Chemical composition :

Curcumin is the main content which gives yellow colour.  It also contains curcumen which is a type of terpene helpful in reducing cholesterol level. It also contains Starch 24% and albuminoids 30%

Useful parts : Root tumour

Uses :

• It is one the most important spices in Indian dishes.
• It is a home made medicine for cold, cough and fever in India. The decoction is used twice a day. Or even powder form is used along with honey in cold and cough.
• Amlaki (Emblica officinalis), haridra (Curcuma longa), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) along with honey is used in diabetes thrice a day. (Charaka samhita)
• In coughing, the dried powder is burned in open pan and then taken along with honey and ghee. After taking it, Water is prohibited for half an hour for achieving  best therapeutic effect
• Haridra is also a local antiseptic. It is used in face pack in preventing pimples. It is used in injury as a dressing material as it stops bleeding and have an antiseptic properties.
• Many skin disorders are treated by internal use of haridra powder along with triphala churan and goumutra (cows urine) daily.
• Haridra powder is a blood purifier and have anti inflammatory properties. The paste of haridra powder with goumutra (cows urine) is applied on inflammed joints.
• In bleeding piles, The haridra paste is made by mixing it with aloe vera and applied at the anal region.

Dose : haridra powder : 2-4 grams

Ayurved herbs , Amlaki (Emblica officinalis)

Amlaki (Emblica officinalis)

Sanskrut name : शिव, धात्रीफल, अमृतफल, श्रीफल 

English name : Emblic myrobalan , Indian gooseberry

About : 

Amlaki is found in most of places in India. Upto 6 mts. Of height. The trunk is light brownish colour. The leaves are small and during spring, all the leaves fall. The fruits are small, round shape having 6 strips over it. They are astringent and sour in taste. The Amalki  fruits from Banaras are considered good. The brown colour small seeds is protected within a strong capsule. The seeds contains oil in it.

Chemical composition : Tannin, galic acid and glucose. It mostly contains vit-C and pectin. 100 gm of amlaki contains 600-mg of vit-C.

Parts used : Fruits

Uses :

• It is one of the most important herb in Ayurved medicine preparation.
• It is used in large amount in preparation of triphala churan, Chyavan prash avleh, Amlaki rasayan, Avipatikar churan etc.
• According to charaka samhita , The amlaki fruit juice is useful in diabetes. It is taken along with Haridra (curcuma longa) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia). Many ayurvedic pharmaceuticals preparations for diabetes contains amlaki powder or its extracts.
• The amlaki fruit juice is also used in scurvy (vit -C deficiency disease) weakness and difficulty in micturation.
• In charak samhita, amlaki fruits is considered as a rejuvenating herb. Is is said that amlaki fruit taken at certain month of year during a full moon day helps in rejuvenating body and helps in living a long healthy life. 
• The amlaki powder have also aphrodisiac properties it is used in infertility and low sperm count.
• The powder of amlaki, one spoon daily twice a day is used in stomatitis, loss of appetite, bleeding disorders, piles, diarrhea, stomach ulcer and deodunal ulcers.

Dose : amlaki powder : 3-10 grams

Ayurved herbs , vasa (Adhatoda vasica)

Ayurved drug - vasa (Adhatoda vasica)

Sanskrut name : भिषङ् माता, सिंहास्य, वाजिदन्ता, सिंहपर्ण

English name : Malabar nut

Intro :
Found in many regions of India. It is a shrub of height 1- 2.5 mts having long oval shaped leaves with pointed ends. The fowers are white in colour which looks like the face of laughing lion when seen from front. Hence it is known as सिंहास्य in sanskrut.

Chemical composition : Leaves contains vasicine, adhatonic acid.

Medicinal parts : leaves, flower

Uses :

• In coughing , it is a potent mucolytic agent. Which is helpful in expectoring cough.

Vasa Leaves juice (5-10 ml) add turmeric (curcuma longa) 5gm, pippali (piper longum) 5gm, rock salt 5gm and a teaspoon of honey... 2 times a day.

• The leaves juice (10ml) along with trikatu 20mg is used internally in bleeding piles. It is also prevents bleeding nose.
• In malarial patient the leaves powder 1-2 gms twice a day.
• The decoction 30ml twice a day, prepared from the leaves and flower is used in skin disease. 
• Ghee prepared from vasa leaves is used in eczema, scabies and ring worm.

Take ghee 250 ml add vasa leaves paste 125 gm, triphala churan 40 gms, turmeric 40gms and 500 ml of water. Heat the mixture on the stove. Keep the heat slow until all the water is evaporated. Check the paste, when the paste added forms pills then the ghee is ready to use. Filter the ghee.

Vasa ghee

2 spoon twice a day.

•  Externally,,, The dried leaves are used and burnt the smoke inhaled by asthamatic patient provides relief.
• The vasa leaves prevents the growth of mosquitoes, flies and other microbes in surroundings. 
• The vasa leaves kept in water tanks prevents water from contamination.

Dose :

Leaves powder - 1-2 mg
Leaves juice - 5-15 ml
Flower powder - 0.5- 1 gms
Decoction - 10-20 ml

Homemade Ayurved herbal medicine for Acidity, Gas, abdominal pain and flatulence

Homemade Ayurved medicine for Acidity, Gas (abdominal pain), flatulence


Ingridents:

1. Sunthi (Zingiber officinale) ... 10 grams
2. Marich (Piper nigrum) ... 10 grams
3. Pipalli (Piper longum) ... 10 grams
4. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) ... 10 grams
5. Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) ... 10 grams
6. Amlaki (Emblica officinalis) 10 grams
7. Musta (Cyperus scariosus) ... 10 grams
8. Vidang (Embelia ribes) ... 10 grams
9. Rock salt ... 10 grams
10. Ela (Elettaria cardamomum) ... 10 grams
11. Tvak (Cinnamomum cassia) ... 10 grams
12. Lavang (Syzygium aromaticum) ... 110 grams
13. Trivrut (Operculina turpethum) ... 440 grams
14. Sugar ... 660 grams

Procedure :

• Collect all the above ingridents in powder form in the given quantity.

• Mix all the content homogeneously using a mixture grinder.

• Keep it in a container.

Your medicine is ready to use.

Use : helpful in Acidity, Gas (abdominal distension), flatulence. A best options for medicine like Omeprazole and ranitidine.

Dose : Before every meal one spoon (10 mg)

Disclaimer : it is always recommended to take ayurveda medicine after consulting your nearest Ayurveda vaidya.

Ayurved panchakarma basic concept ; vaman, virecan, basti, nasya, rakta mokshan

Ayurved panchakarma


Health in Ayurved is considered as balance of three, vata : pitta : kapha. If these are balanced then a state of health is achieved. In unbalanced state it can cause many diseases and even death.

Panchakarma includes 2 words pancha+karma. pancha means five and karma means process.

Panchakarma is an exclusive treatment of Ayurved which permanently cures all the ailments.

In Ayurved treated can be divided into two :
1. Shaman treatment (reduction)
2. Shodhan treatment (extraction)

The shodhan treatment includes the panchakarma in which the waste product; the factors causing ailments (vata,pitta,kapha) in the body are extracted by 5 types of process.

1. Vaman
2. Virecan (purgative)
3. Basti (enema)
4. Nasya (nasal drops)
5. Rakta mokshan (blood letting)

Before doing panchakarma it is important to follow the "pre-process" of panchakarma which is snehan and swedan.

Snehan is a process in which the body is made snigdha by the means of external and internal use of Ghee or Tail or vasa (fat) or maja (marrow). Snehan is very important as it makes the channels in the body slimy so that the elements causing the ailments can be easily extracted from body.

Swedan is a process in which medicated  steam or any other form of heat is provided to the body.

This makes expansion of the channels which helps in expulsion of waste product from body.

1. Vaman

Vaman karma

Vaman is considered as the best treatment in the khaphaj rog, also includes ailments related to stomach, lungs, throat region and mouth.

In vaman karma, After proper snehan and swedan the patient is given herbal medicine is given to patient which leads to controlled  vomiting. The vomitous brings with itself all the waste product especially kapha.

2. Virecan (purgative)

Virecan karma

Virecan is considered best treatment in pittaj roga, also includes ailments related to small intestine and large intestine and all the pittaj roga.

Virecan is similar to the vaman karma but in virecan the medication given removes the waste product through the anal canal by causing controlled purgation.

3. Basti (enema)

Basti karma

Basti is considered ultimate treatment in Ayurved panchakarma. It can cure many diseases related to vayu. Vayu is considered king and vayu in a balanced state is the reason for health and in unbalanced state it causes disease or even death.

In basti, medicated oil or medicated decoction is given in the form of enema. The oil or decoction remains in the body for a limited time and then comes out of the body through anal canal.

4. Nasya (nasal drops)

Nasya karma

Nasya is useful in any kind of head and trunk ailments.

In nasya medicated oil, decoction, herbal juice ,milk is inserted in the nostrils in droplets form. It is easy but very powerful process as it is related to the one of the most important part of our body - head.

5. Rakta mokshan (blood letting)

Rakta mokshan

Rakta mokshan or blood letting is also considered the best treatment in Ayurved panchakarma. It can be even used as emergency treatment in Ayurved.

The blood is sucked or allowed to flow from the veins by using leech or fine needle or vaccum. It requires experience to do so.